THE 



Foreman 



* + 



-OiH'- 






J' 




-AND- 



OTHER LINES, 



BY 



FRED. C. KEIGHLEY. 



-THE- 



Foreman 



TEGEND 



■AND- 



OTHER LINES, 



BY 

FRED. C. KEIGHLEY. r ■. ^ ^ ' 



V 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the j'ear 1892, by 

FRED. C. KEIGHLEY, 
In tlie Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



-^^ 



,gbN piTsoiiting the witliin matter to the publie, 
t the writer wishes to say that he is aware 
^ that it is far from perfect and lacks polish. 
As this is the first attempt at authorship on liis 
part, he trusts that the public will be indulgent 
with him. In the near future the writer hopes 
to be able to do more and better work. 



The Author. 



CONTENTS. 



CANTO 


I 


CANTO 


II 


CANTO 


III 


CANTO 


IV 


CANTO 


V 


CANTO 


VI 


CANTO 


VII. 


CANTO 


VIII 


CANTO 


IX. 


CANTO 


X 


CANTO 


XI 


CANTO 


XII. 


CANTO 


XIII 


CANTO 


XIV. 


CANTO 


XV 


CANTO 


XVI 


CANTO 


XVII 


CANTO 


XVIII 


CANTO 


XIX. 


CANTO 


XX 


CANTO 


XXI 


CANTO 


XXII 


CANTO 


XXIII 


CANTO 


XXIV 


CANTO 


XXV. 


CANTO 


XXVI 


CANTO XXVII 



•THE MINES OF LEGEND 7 

-LEGEND'S REVERIE 11 

LEGEND'S DREAM, 10 

- THE COURTS OF FATE ... 2.3 

■THE CONFLICT— LEGEND FALLS, .32 

THE TALISMAN, 3« 

THE STORM 40 

■MERCY, 41 

THE COURTS OF FATE ADVANCE, 48 

■THE GODS OF FATE .50 

-THE GARDEN OF THE GODS, ... ."w 

PRUDENCE .59 

■ THE SNOW DROP and ITS DESPOILER 02 

THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN 05 

REASON, 07 

-SATAN 71 

■PASSION, 74 

-CONSCIENCE 80 

-HYMEN'S BOWER. ..* 83 

-TEMPTATION 88 

-DEATH, 90 

-HONOR, 93 

-LOVE 98 

-THE LILY, ... 100 

-ESTHER 104 

:TIIE RETURN OF HONOR 109 

THE AWAKENING, ' 113 



-THE- 



dVu&mO/w o\ ^^^:p^cl- 



CANTO I. 

^^JITHE IilNE5 OF LEQENDJ^^^ 

Down in a lovely valley lay 

The eoal mines of Letrend, 
Near a rivulet bright and gay, 

O'er which weeping willows did bend. 
For many miles the streamlet w^ound 

Through thicket, copse ; then meadows fair ; 
Until at last it struck the ground 

That lay 'neath Legend's air shaft stair. 
So far its waters were cryst'line ; 

In silvery dimples had it danced, 
'Midst flowers bright and grasses green, 

O'er mossy rock and pebble glanced. 



But soon a change came o'er the scene ; 

Tlie flowers died, the grasses withered ; 
Its waters, before so pure, became unclean, 

And vilest mud to its bed gathered. 
The gently sloping, eni'rald banks 

Merged into shoals of murky black, 
Thither thrown by mine water's pranks 

From the encroaching piles of slack. 
On past the air shaft's yawning mouth 

The now filthy wat(>rs flowed. 
Bent on their course from west to south. 

Thro' loam, slack, and shale it plowed 
On past Legend's other steaming shaft, — 

Whence dusky diamonds found their way 
O'er bars of polished steel, by man's craft 

Hurled forward to the light of day, — 
To the long and smoking oven row 

That struggling stream the gauntlet ran. 
To sulphry vapors made its bow. 

And disappeared in the forests' van. 
To Legend's village, east there lay 

A valley with wavy hill and dale, 
While to noi'th loomed up, blue and gray. 

The mountain's serrate flank and wale; 
Further to the south the forest strung 

A broad phalanx of living green 
Where leav'd monarchs with strong bough flung 

Towards Legend a mighty screen. 



In such a vale and such a scene 

Was cradled the nndens of our tale, 
And now we turn, not intervene. 

To paint in fancy, yet in reason's pale. 
One summer day, when from the west 

The sun had thrown his rays askew, 
\Yhen torrid heat had seen its best. 

At Legend's shaft a whistle blew. 
Thence from the dark gulf below 

The ^im, weary toilers rushed ; 
For a time they seemed to flow. 

Like a stream with rains flushed. 
At last the human stream was spent. 

But as yet Legend's foreman dallied ; 
At the low working face he bent, 

And with nature's wild ])rauks he parried. 
All day, with measures faidted, 

Within the coal seam's rocky strata, 
The foreman's skill had vaulted 

And strove to correct nature's errata. 
At last, with wearied head and frame, 

The foreman 'long the gangway started, 
Towards the shaft his footsteps tame 

Were ])ointed, where yet daylight darted. 
Now is heard a distant, rumbling sound, 

And later still the stair vibrates, 
Approaching foot-falls, winding round 

That spiral way, the dust gyrates. 



10 



A moment more and Legend's foreman stands 

At tlie dismal chasm's yawning month; 
The sun abont him flings bright golden strands 

As he slowly tnrns and faces sonth. 
What! Is that the foreman of Legend? 

No it cannot be! It's some illusion ! 
Where is the sturdy frame to contend 

With man's deceit and nature's confusion? 
Where is the rough, shaggy mane, 

The short, thick, stubborn neck? "* 

Or the Roman nose that pertain 

To the man that strides a deck? 
Where is the coarse, heavy fist. 

The strong, muscular, (;orded arm. 
That brings to bay and makes grist. 

That controls and violent spirits calm? 
'Gain we look, yet see a slender slip, 

Straight as an arrow from Cu])id's bow. 
Square shoulders, slender waist and wide hip, 

Shapely chiseled face and broad white brow ; 
Long white hand, fingers taper tips, 

Clear com})lexion blent with rose; 
Thin, firmly-compressed, carmine lips, 

Steel gray eyes that scorn repose. 
What a sti'ange, startling incongruity. 

Yet fact is more than fiction strange ; 
'Tis quite beyond man's perspicuity. 

And out of mortal's reason range. 



11 

Tliat .slender form ruled with iron hand, 

Olt had he with brute force clashed, 
Oft subdued the fury -passion fan'd 

And nuitiny's throat had grasped. 
On these occasions the roses fled ; 

In their stead came deathly white; 
The richly colored lips grew less red 

And the €!yes flashed dazzHng light. 
But now that face is clear of storm, 

The head is held in graceful pose, 
All is harmony and does conform 

With pleasing smile that now arose. 
Legend's arm a transit bore, 

His left hand a tripod grasped. 
In his cap a lamji he wore, 

'Round his waist a belt is clasped. 
Now the day's labor and its weary care 

For a brief season are dismissed; 
He but a moment scans the oven's glare, 

Then turns to landscape sunlight kissed. 
Down goes the tripod and greasy lamp, 

The transit gently follows suit. 
And with a sudden, vigorous stamp 

Knocks off" the mud his boots pollute. 
Next with a light and graceful step 

To a grassy hillock wends his way, 
Heedless of the bees' honied skcp. 

Lies down amono- the flowers gav. 



12 

Rich perfumes about him rise, 

The bees are hummiDg all around, 
The birds soar the bright" blue skies, 

To him wafts more than one sweet sound. 
And now his gaze the rivulet spies, 

Far in the west a silver thread, 
Then a liroader band o'er rocks it flies 

Where its snowy foam flecks spread; 
Still nearer, where it narrow grows. 

Its silvery dimples flash and dash ; 
Then it rimples in sunlit glows 

And leaps the precipice with a crash. 
Up flies a misty, flufly fleece, 

The mimic rainbows revel wild. 
And foam en raps the swans and geese 

That were by its translucenceguil'd. 
On still it comes, now a placid stream, 

Now with rocks and rapids ruflled, 
Again, in whirlpools whipped to cream, 

Then in thicket and grasses mufiled. 
How sinuous is its varied course; 

And yet it always onward goes. 
Here by craft and there by force, 

O'er rocks, through shrubs and prickly sloes, 
Sweet scented herbs and brightest flowers. 

Green grasses, softest mosses, and tall rush. 
White lilies sit in its crystal bowers, 

Weeping willows its placid places brush. 



13 

But now with knitted brow he views 

The point where its pnrity is marred, 
Where the turbid filthy fluid brews 

And its banks by death are searred. 
Still with o;rievous glances he doth follow 

The now squalid and siek'ning stream 
As it skulks down the sulphurous hollow, 

Like a mortal in horrid dream. 



CANTO II. 



(^^^LEQENb'5 Reverie. fe^^ 



Ah ! how like my own life is tliat rivulet ! 

Once was I as pure as it is further back, 
But now like it, in tlie mine a drivelet, 

Purity sullied, thoughts and ambition slaek. 
Stop! let me think ! that stream flows on. 

Falters not at filth or mud and dallies not, 
But to forest rushes, there to don 

Other hues, and later still a happier lot. 
Onee within that mighty em'i-ald shield 

Its impurities are swiftly dropped ; 
Jungle, swamp, morass and thiekets yield 

And are of their limpid moisture cropped. 
On, on, on, with many a crooked turn, 

On over the fallen forest monarch's trunk; 
Many a tangled barrier doth it spurn. 

And in its course at every pool hath drimk. 
At last, two hundred leagues or more away, 

From out the forest a mighty flood. 
Sweeping grandly forth to greet the light of day, 

It rolls on, flushed with Neptune's blood. 

14 



IS 

Nothing now can stem its tide, 

Xo more a riv'let, no more a si)ort, 
Filth and trash are swept aside, 

And noblest vessels flock to its jDort, 
How small a beginning, how grand an end! 

Surely mine is small enough, but yet can be, 
If I my gifts and energies rightly spend, 

As grand a tributary to a mightier sea. 
I will, I will, my galling fetters burst! 

From me vile thoughts shall ruthlessly be swept. 
From this day forth shall purity be first 

And excelsior burnished on my standard kept. 
Well, now, of good resolves I liave made a few. 

And these I mean to keep and follow out; 
J^ut now I'm weary, my eyes for slumber sue. 

So to Morph'us arms I'll now turn about. 



CANTO III. 

The sun went down in a blaze of golden glory, 

-Burnishing the western skies with tints, 
Now crimson, then purple; a vivid allegory 

Of the beauteous shores it brightly glints. 
Soft, refreshing, airy currents spring, 

Ijiko Chinook's spicy-laden breeze. 
And the leafy monarchs fairly sing, 

As from it new life quick they seize; 
The waters of the silv'ry riv'let 

Send forth sweet and soothing murmurs 
As the nightingale doth gently wet 

Her bill, then trills in joyous tremors. 
Soon the azure dome above. 

From dim horizon to tow'ring zenith, 
Is brighten'd with glints of love 

Darted forth by soft eyed Venus. 
Still later the canopy of blue 

With many stars is gemmed, 
And the constellations' golden hue 

By milky way is hemmed. 

16 



17 



Yet Legend on the grassy hillock 

Is in balmy slumber wrajiped, 
As heedlessly as the woolly flock 

By a gentle shepherd trapped. 
Ah ! o'er his face a smile is spread, 

For now a vision doth him daze 
Woven in gold and silver thread, 

A brilliant, soul-enraptnriug maze. 
Later a melodious voice lie hears : 

" Arise I>cgend ! Arise Legend ! 
Cast off all thy foolish mortal fears 

And to my commands now attend; 
For I am from the courts of" fate. 

To thee my master hath' me sent. 
Thou art to enter now th.e gate 

That leads where destinies are bent. 
Arouse thee ! Arouse thee, lad ! 

And these silken garments quickly don, 
Drink this nectar and be glad 

That the favor of the fates is won. 
Few like thee are favored 

And their future allowed to see, 
Ne'er before hath fates wavered, 

As now it seems tiiey have to thee. 
Here take this belt and firmly clasp 

Close to thy slender waist and side, 
This golden scabbard in who's grasp 

Ifi held a blade both true and tried. 



18 

Ah ! now thou art for once arrayed 

As befits thy shapely form, 
But thou must not my call evade 

Or I will invoke the storm, — 
The storm that by fates is hung 

O'er mortals head ; a naked sword 
That at many has oft been flung 

For disobedience to their word. " 
Legend now with new born spirit 

Doth his new found friend address, 
And asks why and for what merit 

Dost on him such favors press. 
"And how came I upon this strand 

That by such em'rald waves is kissed? 
I ne'er saw such bright golden sand 

Nor such a light and fleecy mist. 
Then again whence came that fairy bark 

With silken sails and silvery shrouds, 
That is lying now like a glowing spark 

On the beach and upon the corals crowds? 
What is thy name my noble friend? 

For surely thou a friend must be 
Or thou wouldst not on me attend 

As thou hast so kind and so free?" 
"To thy inquiry, Legend, I cannot list. 

Nor dare I my commission exceed. 
As to the fairy bark in yonder mist, 

Thou soon on her shall gallantly speed. 



19 

Soe now and watch her qnictly jihime 

Her snowy-white and qniv'ring ?ail.s; 
See how the waters chafe and fume 

At her bow, in pulsating wales. 
Soon she will her pinions train 

And, like a awallow, swiftly fly 
O'er the shira'ring azure main 

With pennants streaming in the sky. 
Ah ! hush ! hush thee now. Legend. Hark ! 

To the l)ugle's silv'ry cadence! 
It is the signal to embark. 

No more parley, but get thee hence!" 
The twain now hasten to the beach ; 

Their silken garments are all a flutter, 
For the fresh rising breeze doth reach 

And strike them with a soften'd mutter. 
To them it whisper'd : " Make ye haste, 

For the fairy bark her wings will spread. 
And will with her prow wild waves baste. 

Be ye fleet if ye would her white decks tread." 
E'en now like a young and fiery steed 

The bark doth her golden moorings pull. 
White flecks of foam and green sea weed 

By her prow are tossed o'er screaming gull. 
From the bark a glit'ring pinnace glides. 

Then to the beach it swiftly flies, 
Tossing showers of em'ralds from its sides, 

As with the rolliny; surf it vies. 



20 

Legend and guide the pinnace board, ' 

Then to the bark it doth return, 
Cleaving the waves like stont broad sword 

That can all resistance spurn. 
One moment more and the bark is gained, 

Quick to the davits is the pinnace swung, 
With a sweep are shrouds and canvass strained. 

And then on high the gilded prow is flung. 
A mighty surge and clouds of spray 

Upwards to the sky are dashed. 
Like a steed eager for the fray. 

The bark through blue waves crashed, 
Now with stem plunged in briny deeps. 

Again with stern settled low; 
Half heeled over her broadside sweeps 

And make her copper fairly glow. 
At her masthead gay pennants stream. 

From every }"ard and brace are flung 
Ribbons of silken bunting that gleam, 

And o'er her decks are garlands hung. 
The bark by a fairy crew is man'd, 

Whose garments of scarlet, blue, and gold 
Set off the burnished shields that stand 

With rainbow hues, from quarter deck to hold. 
While o'er bright hues the eye is glanced 

Legend's ears are ravished and 'lectrified, 
For by sweet chords is he entranced 

And with music's charms spell-bound and tied. 



21 

For many hours to naught else gavo he liced, 

But eagerly those melodies absorbed, 
Like draughts of frothy, sparkling mead 

That ai"e poured forth at festal board. 
Nor little did he of time take note. 

Nor of the distance o'er which they flew, 
Until his eyes were by new light smote 

Which every moment more brilliant grew. 
^^^ith startled gaze he now beheld 

A rising bank of vivid, dazzling hue; 
First, deep "purple with crimson weld. 

Then, scarlet, orange and deepest blue. 
All this was in liquid emerald bathed, 

In zenith high a rainbow hung. 
With feet that in fleece-like mist were swathed, 

From which it seemed the arch was spriuig. 
Still later gilded spires, with silver shot, 

Began to pierce the bright blue sky 
Set in what first appears a golden spot, 

But which proves to be a dome flung high. 
Still on, shot the bark with lightning speed 

AVhile, as it wrestled with the waves. 
Legend to the shifting scenes gave heed 

And wondered what shores this ocean laves. 
Now a point, that oceanward reached out, 

Is rounded by the fairy craft, 
Which from the wind is brought about, 

Then heads to shore with slackened draft. 



22 



Here to Legend there are entrancing views; 

For before him a castle lay 
Environed by a grove of stately yews 

Tlirong'h which perfumed zephyrs play. 



CANTO IV. 
(^^^The Courts of Fate-i^i^^ 

A tlioiisaiitl spires, a limidred eloines. 

Skyward are thrown with glit'i'iiig- ray, 
While terraees peopled by onomes 

Face outward to the sparklino- bay. 
A score of towers rear their lofty heads 

Far above the alabaster walls. 
And over all a grandeur widely spreads 

Before which the mighty ocean palls. 
Malachite columns, with sculptured crown. 

To spacious balconies afford support, 
While at each gate bronze lions frown 

Like ma.ssive cannon thrust out of port. 
\\'hcre'er the walls are loop-hole slit 

Crystals are set in frames of purest gold. 
Through which the day beams dance and flit 

And all embrasures with soft hue enfold. 
Before the castle numerous fountains play, 

Sending starward, in silver showers. 
Pulsating volumes of riehly i)erfumed spray. 

That paint in rainbow hues the towers. 

23 



24 

From the palace to the beach is a marble way 

Laid between two lawns of brightest green, 
That for smoothness rival the waters of the bay 

And over which the fallow deer careen. 
Suddenly Legend hears a call, 

Then turns to find close at his side 
A figure, courtly, slender, tall. 

And forthwith sees in him his guide. 
''Well Legend! what thinkest thou now? 

On what is thy gaze so firmly set 
That thou failest to see the sails are low 

And that the anchor with sands has met? 
The bark lies before the Courts of Fate, 

And thou must now to them repair; 
So compose thyself to enter the state 

That to so many brings despair." 
At this the pinnace from davits, swing 

And in a trice 'tis fully man'd. 
Then guide and Legend into it spring 

And are quickly rowed to land. 
The guide leaps out and Legend follows, 

At this the pinnace turns about, 
And gives chase to the swallows 

That hang above it and threaten rout. 
Left alone, l)oth to the palace face, 

Then toward it o'er the marble walk; 
The guide, with quiet and stately grace, 

To Legend softly begins to talk : 



2S 

" At yonder gate of thee I take my leave, 

For on reaching it my mission's o'er; 
l)Ut at this thou ranst not shrink or grieve, 

Nor think that there is evil beyond the door. 
Now ere we part to thee I'll give 

A charm for thee on thy breast to wear, 
Henceforth hope shall with thee eveu live, 

And naught from thee can it rudely tear. 
Still more, thou cans't some day confer 

Upon another this sweet precious gift, 
But yet with thee shalt hope repair, 

And from thy heart many burdens lift. 
J5ut only once thou cans't bestow, 

So bear in mind what thou art told : 
If to more than one this charm dost show, 

Hope shall flee and thy heart turn cold. 
Here, I^egend, take this heavenly charm. 

See, it is a golden, diamond-studded anchor! 
And may it thee preserve from harm. 

I know it will banish from thy heart all rancor, 
Thou didst ask my name when we first met, 

But then I could not it to thee give, 
For we were then where mortals are set 

For a brief, uncertain time to live. 
I dared not tell thee until we had arrived 

Upon the shores where lie the Courts of Fate. 
For if I had thou wouldst not have survived. 

Nor have entered into this golden state. 



26 



I am named Hope, and am a guide 

To mortals while on earth they stay, 
And I through life with them reside, 

If to their vows they attention pay." 
As Hope these last words gravely spoke 

The twain arrived at the castle's outer wall. 
And ere Legend his silence broke, 

Hope had vanished and he began to pall. 
And well he might, for at the gate 

Two wheels, with swords for spokes, 
Swiftly revolved without abate, 

And threw out lightning strokes. 
To add to Legend's agonizing terror, 

The bronze lions, one on the right and left. 
Began to quiver, and fill him with horror. 

Then for a time was he reason reft. 
There, like a statue, to the ground rooted. 

Legend stood with face to marble frozen. 
And though with belt and sword accouter'd. 

Fearful thoughts flocked to him unchosen. 
He knew not how long he there stood 

Ere at his side a form he found. 
Which he thought to him boded good. 

For the face with bright smiles was crown'd. 
Legend's fears now from him fled. 

And to the new-comer he turned ; 
To him he looked and quickly said 

''Who art thou? Is it Hope returned?" 



27 



"Yes, hope is rctiirnecl and it shall dwell 

With thee, as long- as life exists. 
J5iit Hope herself is not here to quell 

The fear that around thee twists. 
To fill her j)laee, though not her spirit, 

I am sent to thee a further guide. 
If thou heed'st me, it will be thy merit, 

And a star shall on thy head reside. 
My name is Courage and I'm staunoh and strong. 

By me thou shalt glorious victories win, 
])Ut I warn thee now not to list to wrong, 

For if thou dost thy fame wilt die in sin." 
Legend now Courage and his raiment sean'd. 

And beheld a frame of massive build, 
Upon which muscles like steely wires stand 

In bunches upon limbs roundly filled. 
A suit of silver-plated mail he wore, 

Upon his head a brazen helmet sat, 
Whilst at iiis side a damask blade he bore, 

Across his breast, of golden chains, a mat, 
In his right hand, a huge spear found rest. 

While his left a bronze shield held. 
That close to his mailed side was pressed. 

And through which all attacks repell'd. 
The face was smooth and closely shaven, 

The brow was white, high, and wide. 
The eyes were with clear, bright hues laden, 

And over them silken fringes glide. 



28 



The nose straight and cast in gen'rons mould, 

With nostrils large and widely distended, 
The upper lip, short, with carmine fold, 

And on it Cupid's bow sharply bended. 
The chin, massive, strong and solid set, 

The head with glossy auburn curls was crown'd, 
In the mouth two rows of ivory met. 

The wdiole to square shoulders by stout neck bound. 
But Legend had his survey cut short. 

For Courage said: "Why tarry here? 
Thou hast both hope and courage caught, 

On! forward, march — dismiss fear!" 
So then Legend with Coui-age started, 

And as both toward the gates trended. 
At them a salamander darted 

With hideous screams and mouth distended. 
At this Legend would fain have fled. 

But Courage bade him draw his sword, 
''Then stand your ground," he firmly said, 

"And see the monster with spear bored." 
At this Courage lowered his spear. 

And braced him for the charge. 
On came the monster with frightful leer. 

And to blue flames gave discharge. 
However Courage stirred not an inch 

But to his spear he gave a fling, 
Which made the monster quickly flinch 

And turn to his lair, with the sting. 



29 

"Now to the gate, Legend, with baste! 

To the quivering lions ne'er give heed, 
For tliey are chained and time we'll waste 

If to them our swords we should feed." 
"What! through those wild flaming swords of tire!" 

Legend loudly cried. "Yes; on you go!" 
"But they will cut my body in their ire 

All to pieces — like a vicious foe." 
" Legend ! Thou saw'st me the monster vanquish ; 

Why shrinkest now thou at the very portals 
Of the Courts of Fate? Why give way to anguish 

That fear creates in all you mortals?" 
Ijogend onward rushed with wildly beating heart, 

And through the wheels of fire he darted, 
]kit to his amazement he felt no pain dart 

Nor from his body was vestige parted. 
Bewildered, now, he stood and looked 

At the wheels which still revolved 
With never ceasing speed that brooked 

At nothing, and fierce flames evolved. 
Courage laughed and said, "I will follow !" 

So through the whirling swords he passed 
Like swiftly-flying homesick swallow. 

And not a glance behind him cast. 
"Ah! Legend, what thinkest thou now, 

The monster, vanquished, flames defied, 
And thou hast yet to strike a blow. 

Dost think that thou art sorely tried? 



30 

See how trivial was thy mortal fear, 

For from courage, terror, and danger fly. 
And all difficulties disappear 

Like brambles that under the ploughshare die. 
From this time forward all fears banish, 

And to opposition give disdain ; 
Bid foolish nightmares quickly vanish. 

Sweep such cob webs from thy brain. 
As of thee now I take my leave 

No more to meet danger at thy side, 
To thee I shall firmness bequeath, 

With which thou canst surely stem the tide, 
The tide which shall shortly on thee roll 

In thy journey through this state. 
For thou wilt have on it to give toll 

Just as surely as thou'll meet fate ; 
There is no royal road through this land. 

Of barriers varied and many there will be. 
And oft before them amazed thou wilt stand. 

Until thy resolution sets thee free. 
Here let me on thy face set this seal, 

For all who v.ould success achieve 
Must bear it there through woe or weal 

And through distended nostrils breathe." 
Uttering those words Courage turned. 

Again he passed through the whirling flame 
That at the gates in fury burned. 

And surrounded him with p-olden frame. 



31 

Once more Legend hevvildered stood 

And knew not what next to do, 
Then he thonght of" advice so good 

Given by Hope and Conrage too; 
So at once he from his stupor rose, 

Tiicn quickly on his surroundings ghmccd, 
Began his confusion to compose 

In the sunbeams that around him danced. 
And exliiliration with vigor through him shot 

Like chords from old time melodious lays, 
That ravish the heart and make cold memories hot, 

And these do in him new-born hopes raise. 
Behind him lay lions, salamander and flaming sword, 

Before him a glorious landscape spread 
In which the Courts of Fate were immur'd, 

From which he shrank M-ith quivering and dread. 
"Oh ! how would I this scene enjoy 

If my mind was free from foreboding," 
Thought Legend as he tried to alloy 

The feelings of fear that to him cling. 
"Where is all the courage and the hope 

That on me have been late conferred? 
'^Why should I so basely, weakly grope 

AYhen on by them I should be spurred?" 



CANTO V. 



^^!The Conflict— LEQENb FALL5.!a^^ 



Shall I ever reach the Courts of Fate? 
For, though I've already passed the gate, 
It seems as though the distance grows, 
And some sprite o'er me enchantment throws. 
When on that fairy bark I stood 
And saw this landscape's bursting bud 
I thought yon castle was. quite near 
And that I soon my fate should hear ; 
But now it seems to be on wings 
And impatience about me flings 
Discontentment and lethargy, 
Vacillation 'stead of eneriJ:;v. 
But a few moments or so past 
I felt within me rising fest 
A new born spirit of great strength 
That would carry me any length, 
Until by chance I hap'd to cast 
My eyes on yon castle that's mass'd 
And in the distance grimly looms 
AVhere the deadly night shade blooms. 
32 



^ 



33 



What is this sinking of my heart 

That strikes me like a poisonetl dart? 

What is this mist before my eyes 

That didst so snddenly arise 

And sluit out the sunbeams that fell • 

Upon me before I felt this spell ? 

Yes, now my head begins to swim 

And my eyesight is getting dim. 

Oh ! Ah ! What fiend is drawing near? 

I'm sure I felt a elanmiy spear; — 

He strikes at my poor sinking heart ! 

And he will foree my soul to part 

From the house wherein it hath dwelt. 

And now I feel my reason melt ; 

No! I will not die — without a fight 

I will tear the phantom hand that's tight 

Upon my throat and makes me gasp 

With its deadly, tightening grasp ! 

^\'here are Hope and Courage now? 

Will they see me strieken low? 

"Down! Thou terrorizing fiend ! 

Not yet shalt thou slay I^egend ! 

For I am too young to die 

Without a hope of Heaven high. 

I must — I will from thee tear, 

And heaven shall witness bear 

That to thee I did not yield, 

Nor lay myself on thy shield. 



34 

Down, I say ! My sword I'll draw, 

Me thon shall not overawe. 

Here's my gauntlet in thy face ! 

From thee I'll back not one pace ! 

Draw ! I say, and like a flash 

Upon thee my sword shall dash." 

At this the fiend grew livid, 

And like lightning's flashes vivid 

He threw a naked sword on high 

And shouted, "Dost thon me defy?" 

''Yes; and at thee I fling my blade 

For of scabbard it is flayed. 

And now, as I upon thee spring, 

This sword shall death or victory bring." 

At this the swords together clashed. 

And from them blue sparks brightly flashed; 

The blades as they met swiftly rang 

A peal of hard metallic clang; 

Fi'om i)oint to hilt they quickly flew 

And hotter now the combat grew; 

At times with arms far outward flung 

And bodies on the toe tips hung ; 

Again with head thrown sideways and back, 

Until the muscles loudly crack ; 

Now a plunge is made and carried 

Only l)y the other to be parried ; 

A downward stroke is sudden brought, 

And as quickly by the other caught; 



35 

Still the blades witli ind'oasino- speed 

Seem to both, strength and passion feed. 

The eyes of eaeh are gleaming now, 

And in them hate and rancor glow; 

The faces flnsh with heightened flame 

That throw a brilliance over the game. 

Which by the swords is now pursued 

iVnd gore will soon on the ground be strewed. 

Such fury could not forever last, 

And Legend's breath came short and fast ; 

No longer was he the offensive, 

]jut in weakness became defensive, 

For the fiend gave a swift swecj) 

That made Legend's flesh fairly creep, 

And he vainly tried to ward the blow 

That dashed his sword against his brow, 

And, though it struck him with its side, 

It overturned him in its tide. 

And to the ground he senseless fell. 

As his foeman montlicd a devilish yell. 

The fiend to Legend's body flew, 

And from his hand the sword he drew. 

The glit'ring blade he viewed with scorn, 

Then flung it to the winds of morn ; 

Around that prostrate form he sjiun, 

And wildly crowed over victory won : 

"Ah ! Legend where is thy valor ? 

'Stead of victory, see this pallor I 



36 

Where's the flush that donned thy cheek? 

And what now makes thy pulse so weak? 

What a pretty boy art thou, 

To wallow thus like a sow ! 

Thy silken garments and flnery 

Shall shortly carpet a swinery ; 

Thy form, that was so full of life, 

Shall soon wither before my knife; 

And from thy heart the crimson flood 

Shall pour to mingle with the mud; 

Those eyes that were so full and bright. 

Shall soon be clothed in murky night; 

No more shall thy voice be heard. 

No more by sound thy ears be stir'd. 

Thou saidst thy sword should death or victory bring. 

So thy corpse shall be fanned by vultures' wing. 

And thou hadst hopes of heaven high, 

Well, in hell thou shalt sob and cry. 

And Courage told thee that through him 

Thou shouldst the cream of victory skim. 

Now thou hast learned it will not prevail. 

For the mighty cause the weak to quail. 

As thy weak, mortal, puny, arm 

Was not proof against Satan's charm. 

So now thou art his lawful prey. 

For thou art loser in this fray. 

This flesh of thine shall maggots feed 

And to the pit thy soul shall speed ; 



37 

There flames shall thy irarinents he, 

And iVoni them thou eaiist not flee, 

But 'round thee they shalt like seri)euts twist 

Whilst red demons wilt with thee keep ti-yst. 

.So now thou slialt meet thy fate 

And thy blood my thirst shall sate. 

From thy breast I tear this gow'u, 

And thv heart my knife will erown. 



CANTO VL 
(^^^The Talisman. 16^^© 

Ah! What is this that turns my blade? 

A bauble from some pretty maid? • 

I'll warrant 'tis some love token. 

Well, it's ties are now all broken. 

It also shalt be cast aside 

In the flood of that crimson tide. 

What is this! the cross and the crescent? 

The symbol of Hope, in anchor bent ? 

I'm all undone, the fight is lost, 

By it my efforts aside are toss'd. 

Cursed fool was I not to know and see 

That Legend was not my prey to be. 

What mortal could, have before me stood 

Without the charm that makes wicked good ? 

How gladly would I trample in the dust 

That symbol of the mighty and the just! 

But before it doth even Satan pall, 

And none who possess it ever fall. 

If I would this anchor tear, 

Mightier symbol would appear; 

38 



39 

For the crescent would leave a cross, 

And keener stillTd feel my loss. 

Back I will place it in his hosom 

Before more charms on it doth blossom. 

To my Satanic master I will <^o 

To receive failnre's curses and its woe. 

Full well I know what to expect, 

For the orders I have o'er leapt. 

I should have let Legend pass by 

If I had learned that charm was nigrh. 

I^egend now is the victor in this fight 

And nearer it takes him to Heaven bright. 

Satan no more will give him battle, 

But he will snare him with his prattle. 

For Legend need not think that now 

The ground is fallow for his plow. 

If he should reach the Courts of Fate, 

He will find trials within its gate, 

In which it will be harder still 

To gain the victory in the mill; 

Yes, the mill by which fates grind 

And try mortals till they're "refined." 

On saying this the fiend went his way 

And left Legend lying in the clay. 



CANTO VII. 

A strange calm now stilled the air, 

Whilst in the west dark shadows shot^ 
Reaching ont with long fingers bare 

That terminate with gloomy blot; 
They with convnlsive movement shut 

And in their grasp they hold the sun, 
Which one n)oment doth feebly put 

On all around a deathly dun. 
Now it throws out a ghastly glare, 

As it struggles with frantic start 
To shake off the dreadful nightmare 

That forces it with day to. part. 
Darkness now swiftly casts a pall 

O'er all the landscape far and near, 
And shuts out with its high thick wall 

All that would tend to banish fear. 
Soon a low moan is feebly heard 

That terminates with sickly sobs; 
Again it rises — sound waves spread 

And bring to life heart i-ending throbs 

40 



41 



Still liioher, with a piteous wail, 

It doth ri.se in pulsating ehord 
That betokens approaehing gale, 

Which soon will nnsheath its cruel sword. 
Now a shriek wildly rends the air, 

As though the blade its vitals shrove, 
And it begged — its soid to spare 

Ere from existence it was drove. 
Moaning, sobbing, shrieking, tearing, 

On through darkness came the storm fiend, 
Sweeping, hurling, hnrin'ng, whirling 

O'er the spot where lay I-.egend. 
The storm fiend with-'lucifer held 

High carnival that dreadful day, 
And between the two a new weld . 

Was made whilst over him they did plav. 
A bolt was forged — hurled on high, 

And in glitering streaks forth it shot. 
Ripping through the curtain of the sky. 

Then returning glistening hot; 
Again it was thrown in zigzag conr.'^e 

AVith forked tongues wriggling out 
That traced in flame its hellish source. 

As through the space it cast about. 
Another bolt is flung with great speed 

And wildly whirls right and left, 
Scattering blue darts — fiery seed 

To take root in the clouds it cleft. 



42 



A hundred holts are quickly sprimg, 

And, whilst with livid heat they flash, 
From horizou to zenith flung;, 

To meet there with terrific crash. 
The windows of the lieavens high 

Are rudely torn wide asunder 
And torrents downward swiftly fly 

To augment the pealing thunder. 
But ere this stream is fallen far, 

And whilst yet in zenith's high dome, 
It meets with an unyielding bar. 

For a myriad bolts drive it home. 
Hissing like serpents, in they plunge, 

And before them the torrents quake, 
Then rush upwards with sudden lunge 

And into steaming vapors break. 
In vain the heavens tried to weep, 

For not even a scalding tear 
Could over the fiery barriers leap 

Or a single drop of moisture bear. 
For hours the vivid lightning flashed. 

For hours the torrents downward poured. 
For hours the vapors upward clashed. 

For hours the thunders madly roai^ed, 
For hours the bolts by hundreds flew. 

For hours they hissed and wildly screamed. 
For hours in number grew. 

For hours and hours they upward streamed. 



43 



The licavens like a cauldron hoilod, 
The clouds into high mountains grew, 

The winds like Satan's own imps toiled 
And fanned up this hellish brew. 



CANTO VIII. 

The storm at last its fury spent, 

The winds sunk down to murmurs low, 
The heavens that were so lately rent, 

Began by starts a gleam to show. 
Still o'er the spot where Legend lay 

There hung a darkness like a pall, 
That wrapt him in a shroud of gray 

(3n which the shades of death did fall. 
A gentle rustling now is heard. 

Through the darkness a figure looms 
That is with trailing garments gird 

Like a mourner amid the tombs. 
As to Legend it wends its way, 

A finger of light falls swiftly down 
From a star that to zenith's bay 

In a happy moment hath flown, 
Halos of light are breaking now 

About the figure as it glides. 
And by their sofl, subdued glow, 

Reveal a form where grace abides. 
44 



4S 



Tall and slender, with swan like neck, 

And a face of rose-tinted cream 
With dark eyes that like jewels deck 

The one of which lovers oft dream. 
Yes, it is a woman's sweet face 

And now we learn of her mission 
As she casts her eyes on that })lace 

And sees Legend's sad condition. 
She softly exclaims, " What, Ix'gend ! 

Art thon lying cold in death? 
^^'hcn last to earth I saw thee bend 

Thon wast full of ([nickening breath." 
Now she stoops and looks at his face 

And on his brow she sees the wound 
That forced him down to earth's embrace, 

And dulled his ears to every sound. 
"Legend ! Legend ! thou must not die! 

This cruel cut upon thy smooth brow 
Ls but the first furrow to lie 

Upon thy face, and will but show 
That thou hast fought thy battle well. 

In time other lines will appear,* 
lint none can more eloquently tell 

Of thy victory o'er craven fear," 
Now she draws him to her pure breast, 

That to him she might life impart, 
And to his brow her lips were press'd, 

Whilst the warm blood surged through her heart. 



i 



46 



P^rc long LegcMid's chest gently hove 

And a low sigh from him escaped ; 
From his lips a soft vapor drove 

The chill blue in which they were draped. 
His eyes now slowly opened wide 

And in surprise and wonder fell, 
But only for a moment hide 

The gratitude that in them well. 
At Mercy's face, yes, Mercy's face ! 

Again they wonderingly glanced 
And the wonder to joy gave place 

As through his veins the warm blood danced. 
"Mercy! Mercy!" he faintly cried, 

"I know that thou art Mercy sweet, 
For none else could me o'er death tide, 

Had I the strength I'd kiss thy feet. 
Though ne'er before I have thee known 

Yet in thee all my trust is stayed. 
So in my heart erect thy throne 

For thou hast o'er me watched and prayed. 
Oh ! how weakly and faint I feel, 

I gladly to thy bosom cling 
For now by starts my head doth reel, 

And in my ears such strange sounds ring." 
Legend for a time now swooned away 

And Mercy took him in her arms 
And on his cheek her soft cheek lay 

And her warm blood his cold blood warms. 



47 

Again to life is Logeiid wooed, 

Again his e^'es drink in the h'ght, 
And tlirongh his lips warm vapors flowed 

As for life ho makes another fijjht. 
Again on Merey his eyes rest, 

And she with smiles his glanec retnrns 
As she snpports him on her breast 

And in his veins a new life bnrns. 
"Legend! Legend! thon'll soon be strong 

And now we mnst from here depart, 
For I intend to right thy wrong 

And before the fates take thy part. 
Here, rise and take my arm in thine 

And I will thy weak form uphold. 
Soon the sun will with brightness shine 

And about us east a golden fold. 
There, dost thou not see yon bi-ight beam 

That cleaves for us this murky cloud, 
And pours forth like a silver'd stream 

O'er the spot where lay gloomy shroud? 
Ah! there the sun in glory shines 

And yonder lie the Courts of Fate, 
See the bright quiv'ring ivy vines 

That in wreaths drooj) o'er the gate." 



CANTO IX. 

^^JITHE C0UKT5 OF FATE AbVANCE.lS^^ 

"See the Courts of Fate now advance 

And sweep upon ns like a tide. 
Glit'ring beams from its towers dance 

And toss the waves of light aside." 
Legend was by the brightness dazed, 

To Mercy in alarm he tnrned, 
Then in her arms he fell amazed 

And cried, "I fear my eyes are bnrned." 
He laid his head npon her breast 

And her drapery tightly gripped, 
Then said, "Mercy, I fain wonld rest 

Ere fate's chains are on me slipped." 
"Bear np!" Mercy softly replied, 

" Thy trials will not be so severe 
But that now thou canst them o'er tide 

So do not yield to thy weak fear. 
I will carry thee through the gate 

And lay thee down within the court. 
Then to the fates thy case I'll state 

And I will thy weak form support." 

■ 48 



49 

Mercy carried Legend in her arms, 

Passed tlirough the gate into the palace, 
Silenced the grim guards with her charms 

And at the fount filled her chalice. 
Mercy spoke and said, "•Oh! ye fates! 

The waters of life my hand now bears. 
Open to me the inner gates 

And let me pass the iron stairs," 
She now emptied the waters out 

And they swiftly ran o'er the floor 
Roaring like a huge water spout 

Until they struck against a door, 
llei-e for a moment they were checked 

And into foam were quickly dashed. 
Then with fury the door they wrecked 

And onward through the doorway splashed. 
This wild stream Mercy followed now 

And by it alone her course steered 
Until the waters ceased to flow 

And then the iron stairs appeared, 
Down the stairs Mercy swiftly flew 

Bearing Legend in her strong arms 
And as she went the darkness o^rew. 

But it could not resist her charms. 
The foot of the stairs soon was reached 

And there she laid her bniden down, 
And though a harpy at her screeched. 

She did not shrink or even frown. 



CANTO X. 

^^^!ThE Q0b5 OF FATE.^^D 

Before her now a throne arose 

And on it sat the Gods of Fate 
Who spoke before she could compose 

Her thoughts, or ere her wishes' state, 
" Mercy, what now dost bring thee here? 

Again hast thou on some mortal 
Bestowed thy favor and thy cheer 

And brought him now to our portal." 
"Oh! Ye Gods of Fate!" Mercy cried, 

"At your feet now lies one Legend 
Who was on his way sorely tried, 

I ask ye now your rule to bend." 
"Mercy, thou well dost know our way 

So why ask thou such a favor." 
"Oh ! Ye Fates ! list to what I say 

And then your law ye will waver. 
On my journeys through mortals' place 

One eve I passed down Legend's vale. 
And there I saw old Satan's face 

Bearing a look that made me quail. 

SO 



SI 

Satan was hid bohiiicl a stone 

And but a short distance beyond 
Lay Legend with his thoughts alone, 

Musing of that he was not fond. 
There he for tlie future resolved 

To fearless, strong, and manly be, 
And that dark stains should be dissolved 

By spurning what lacked purity. 
As this I heard my heart went out. 

To Legend I a friend became, 
So to Satan I turned about 

And bade him stay his swords of flame. 
Satan in fury on me turned 

And said, ' Mercy, get thee from hence I 
I'll take Legend and have him burned 

For his resolves are all pretense. 
Why take from me my lawful j^rey ? 

These mortals all are damned by me. 
I do not listen to their bray 

But do immerse them in hell's sea. 
If yon prating fool stayed on earth 

His ways he ne'r would change or mend 
For all mortals are fools from birth 

They often break, but never bend.' 
To Satan then at once I said, 

'Legend thou shalt not this time take 
And I will answer for his head, 

If he fails, his soul be the stake.' 



S2 

Satan said : ' With thee I'll agree 

For well I know that soul I'll get, 
From my toils it will ne'er get free, 

On every side my traps are set. 
So take Legend under thy wing 

For onee I will let go my prey, 
For once I withhold ray sting. 

There, go and take him, quick, I say.' 
In return to Satan I said : 

"Thy inpps will Legend quickly slay, 
So before thou hast from here sped 

Their hand thou must agree to stay. 
List ! to Legend I'll send a charm, 

It shall be a jeweled anchor. 
Tell them for this to stay their arm 

And withhold their hellish canker. 
Thereupon Satan winged away 

And Hope to Legend I did send. 
Hope, then, was his guide to the bay 

Whose waters on your shores doth trend. 
Hope led him to your outer gate 

And left him till Courage came, 
For Legend needed such a mate 

To help him pass your wheels of flame. 
Courage with Legend stayed until 

The outer walls were safely passed, 
Then he left him before the hill 

Near which the Courts of Fate are massed. 



- ' 53 

There Legend was met by an imp 

Turned loose by Satan's own command, 
And at first with fear he was limp 

Then became firm and did dtinand 
That the imp should fight or withdraw, 

Then threw his gauntlet in his face 
A nd said tliat he should not o'erawe 

Legend, or make him back one pace. 
Legend then like a demon fought 

And for a time the imp was pressed 
So that he an advantage sought 

For well was he matched and distressed. 
Legend could not fight hell alone 

And the imp pressed him to the ground. 
It would, I trow, turn a heart of stone 

To sec Legend to Satan bound." 
Mercy now turned toward Legend, 

And seeing that he had fainted. 
Did for a moment o'er him bend 

To note the pallor fear had painted. 
She quickly took him in her arms 

His head lay upon her shoulder. 
This did not detract from her charms 

Xor make her appear much bolder 
As she said, " Ye Gods of Fate ! 

See what this poor mortal endured. 
After passing your outer gate 

Surely favor should be secured.." 



S4 

With her soft, white, and shapely hand 

From Legend's brow she swept his hair, 
Then she softly, sweetly fanned 

The cruel wonnd she thus laid bare. 
" See, the youth is fair and handsome 

And his face of the finest mould, 
Whilst that may not be his ransom 

Yet beneath there's the purest gold. 
Let him but live and ye shall see, 

As surely as Mercy now stands, 
That for good a power he'll be 

Ere he treads eternity's sands," 
The Gods of Fate to her reply : 
• "Mercy, thou hast made us waver, 
We cannot thy request deny 

When with pity thou dost quaver. 
Lead thou Legend to our garden 

There he may choose one flower 
Whilst there thou must be his warden. 

But do not there thy mercies shower." 



CANTO XI. 

<^fe^TriE QARbEIS OF THE Q0b5.!&^® 

"Legend ! Legeiul ! ()j)cn thine eyes, 
See yon glorious paradise, 
Thine eyes before grim fate were closed, 
See now where thou hast been transposed. 
Come, come, thy fears are groundless here, 
So let thy gloom give way to cheer. 
For the Gods of Fate have wavered 
And thou of all art most favored, 
lli.se quickly and see the beauties 
And fruits of well performed duties." 
"Oh ! Mercy ! say, am I dreaming? 
Just now I'm sure I was .screaming, 
For with horrid nightmare I fought 
And r dreamed Satan had me caught. 
What am I? Where am I? Life! Death! 
Oh ! dread mystery ! There I have breath ! 
Yes, I still live! My blood flows on, 
It does not flow when life is gone. 
What confusion doth o'er me roll ! 
'Tis said the mind — that is the .soul 

SB 



56 

Never dies. Perchance my mind deceived 

And I am dead, but ne'er perceived 

The change that dissolution brings, 

Hence, this enchantment o'er me flings 

The vagaries that now enthrall 

And surround me with bit' rest gall." 

"Legend ! thou art alive and well 

And thou art not held by any spell. 

But tliou art here to learn thy fate 

And further, see thy future mate. 

Thou art to choose one fair flower 

And place it in Hymen's bower. 

So rouse thee now and make thy choice 

And if thou choose well thou'll rejoice. 

But let me warn thee ere we start 

To steel thyself 'gainst passion's dart, 

For Mercy cannot help thee there. 

So of passion's promptings beware. 

Come, Legend, let us now proceed 

And our eyes on yon beauties feed. 

There, now place thine arm in mine, 

Then we will enter purity's shrine. 

Of flowers many thou wilt see 

And their charms will bewilder thee. 

So take my counsel, haste thee not. 

But be sure of what thou hast got 

Before thou pullest any flower. 

Or all thv sweets will soon be sour. 



57 



We are there ! The gate is open ! 

That to us should be a token 

That our presence is expected, 

So keep thy senses collected. 

Legend ! that tree that stately stands 

In yonder bed of golden sands 

Is the wonderful tree of life 

Over which there is so much strife. 

For countless ages it hath stood 

As an emblem of all that's good. 

Satan in vain oft hath tried 

Its virtues and fair fruits to hide. 

He would cut it down if he dare 

And he curses all it doth bear. 

See, it is a beauteous tree 

With all its branches swinging free, 

No two branches are near alike. 

And all forever heavenward strike. 

Every twig doth a blossom bear ; 

Every blossom yields a fruit that's rare ; 

Each fruit Represents a quality 

That somewhere is born in humanity. 

These flowers or fruits can't be pulled 

And by mortal are never culled. 

So pass this tree for yon bright flowers. 

Hie thee now to beauty's bowers." 

At this Legend pressed further on 

And noted not Mercy had gone, 



S8 

For o'er his path roses swung 
And on their petals dew drops hung. 
Their fragrance was by him inspired 
And their beauty his heart soon fired. 
New sensations Avere in him born 
And all caution was from him torn. 
He tried to pluck a full-blown rose, 
But he missed it in its throes 
As the soft wind tossed it about, 
And dew drops shower'd in its route. 
Now a rose swept down o'er his face, 
Then another one joined in the race. 
It lightly touched his fever'd cheek. 
Then as it passed him seemed to speak. 
Again one swung right to his lips 
And fj'om it the dew drops he sips, 
For he caught it and held it tight. 
Then his lips pressed the petals white. 
Its fragrance almost o'erwhelmed him 
And for a moment all was dim. 
He cried, "I must pluck this flower 
Yes, pluck it, now, this very hour." 
He moved his hand to find it stayed 
And turned to see in white arrayed 
A form he ne'er before had seen 
That said, "Too late, I near had been. 
A moment more thou would have plucked 
That rose and all its sweets have sucked." 



CANTO XII. 

"Legend, wliat did Mercy tell thee? 
It will grieve her greatly to see 
That so soon thou hast all forgot 
And art giving way to passion hot. 
Thon niayest ne'er see Mercy more 
And sh(! has set on thee great store; 
'Twas she that sent ine to thee now, 
So I, her sister, to thee bow. 
]My name is Prudence and I will, 
If thou but listen, save thee still ; 
Thou must not be in haste so hot 
To pull that which will suit thee not; 
The rose is a common flower 
And thou wilt see them every hour; 
They are of many shades and size. 
So do not let them fill thine eyes. 
In the garden are rare flowers 
Jk'tter fitted for Hymen's bowers. 
Let go that rose ere thou bruise it 
And let it with its mates still sit. 
If, perchance, its stem should be broke 
Take it thou must, or thou wilt choke. 



S9 



60 

Remember what the Gods of Fate 
Said, ere it be fore'er too hite." 
Legend at once the rose set fr(.'e 
And with it died out all his glee. 
The sun darted under a cloud 
Which threw a shadow like a shroud, 
O'er the roses that were so gay, 
And their petals turned ashy gray. 
A cold wind then passed over them 
And made them shrivel on their stem. 
Legend also felt the clammy air, 
Then at his head began to tear. 
"Oh! what cursed land am I now on, 
A glimpse of sweet joy, then 'tis gone. 
Roses that seemed so fresh and sweet 
Now drop their leaves upon my feet. 
Prudence, why bi'cath such chilling air? 
Didst same womb thou and Mercy bear?" 
Legend turned as the words he spoke 
But no reply the silence broke. 
For Prudence was no longer there 
And Legend's face a frown did wear. 
"Cursed I must be or dreaming much 
That savors of hell's canker'd touch. 
First Hope did come to me unasked 
And many things she then unmasked. 
Hope left me, then bluff Courage came, 
And urged me througnh the swords of flame. 



61 

But even he left me in the vale 

Where strongest mortal sure wotikl quail, 

And I met the foulest foul fiend 

That e'er Satan had from him wean'd. 

He with fear my very marrow froze, 

And nought hut battle eould I choose, 

So at him in despair I flew 

With sword Hope said was tried and true. 

At first right well my ground I held 

Then grew faint and was quickly fell'd. 

How long I lay I know it not 

But Mercy found me on that spot; 

She pressed me to her soft, warm breast 

And life returned at her request ; 

She bor(3 me to the Courts of Fate 

And there she did my woes relate. 

By her good graces now I'm here. 

But why she left me is not clear. 

Here, Prudence came — now she has left, 

Surely I'm of reason bereft. 

AVhy ! yonder cloud is breaking fast 

And warm breezes about me cast 

A fragrance that soothes my very soul, 

And the blood through my veins doth bowl. 

Through the garden I now will walk 

And view the flowers on their stalk ; 

I'll heed what Mercy kindly said. 

And the lesson that Prudence read." 



CANTO XIII. 

(^^UTHE 5N0WbR0F AND 1T5 bE5P0ILER!Si^^ 

" Why ! here is the sweetest flower 
Ere wept o'er by April sliower. 
Surely it's no common blossom, 
See ht)w (ioj'ly it playest 'possum, 
And hangs its snowy white face down 
To show its pearly bell-shaped crown. 
Oh ! thou pure and dainty snowdrop, 
I^et me thy sweet head gently prop, 
For I must look in thy fair face,; 
That may est be my fortnne''s place! 
Whilst in thy cradle thou didst lay 
All earth was bleak as barren clay, 
A soft, snowy blanket o'er thee s])read 
And by its meltings thou wast fed. 
As that white canopy o'er thee laid 
A game of hide and seek thou play'd, 
And e'en thy small form thrust aside 
The melting snows of April's tide. 
Then, when earth's dark face thus was washed, 
Thy pure white face thou o'er it tossed; 
62 



63 



Thus the first flower of'sprino- was born 

Just as oartli of her fleece was shorn. 

No wonder thou art a sweet child 

And makest the hearts of mortals wild, 

]^^)r of that nuiid, beautilid snow, 

Thou art the soul and so didst grow." 

Legend stoo])s to kiss that flower, 

But is pushed aside with power, 

For another hand reaches, forward 

And tears from earth its gentle ward. 

'Tis done with rude hand, without care, 

And it is borne ott' with a glare 

From a dark face of coarsest mould. 

That hath a look i)oth bad and bold. 

As this figure passed by Legend 

His heart sank and his head did bend, 

For he saw that flower, pure and sweet, 

Droop and quake as though struck bv sleet. 

A moment more and all grew dark, 

A bolt was hurled from Vulcan's park 

And it laid the despoiler low. 

For through his body it did j)low. 

The corpse became swollen, then burst 

Ajid from it issued ivptile curs'd. 

That wriggled and writhed in flame, 

Then darted oflMike hunted game. 

The flower .still held in that hand 

(As yet death had not burst its band) 



64 



For a moment feebly quivered, 
The shrunken petals were shivered 
And a tiny seed gently fell, 
Like a tear drop from some heart's well. 
To the now crumbling corpse it roll'd, 
Then disappear'd within earth's fold. 
The gloom increased — a deathly calm 
Seem'd the whole o^arden to embalm. 



CANTO XIV. 



(^feiiTHE Voice From Heaven. la^^ 



Ijcgcnd now hoard a i^olemn voico 
Tliat sadclen'd, yet made him rejoice. . 

It said : 
"Man oft proposes, but God disposes. 
Tiie wicked for a time seem to flourish ; 
Their evil deeds by man may be overlooked, 
But on them His venj^eance surely falleth. 
Yon vile lump of clay stretched forth its hand; 
In its impure grasp it took a flower, 
By that evil action this flower withered. 
This flower was a messenger from God ; 
Yon vile body was the tool of Satan. 
In righteous indignation, (jlod laid it low. 
From corruption shall rise incorruption ; 
Hell blackens, but for Heaven to brighten. 
It was, and it is, ever shall be. Amen." 

The earth where the tiny seed fell, 
Now began to upheave and swell. 
A beam of soften'd light fell down 
And to Ivcgend reveal'd a crown 

63 



66 

Of snowy whiteness peeping out, 

As though of some plant 'twere the sprout. 

It quickly rose, became a form, 

That took his heart and soul by storm. 

He saw a figure dazzling bright 

Whose face was radiant with a light 

He ne'er had seen or known before, 

For it the seal of heav.en bore. 

The pure face was to zenith turned 

Which like a chasten'd Venus burned; 

The eyes they were upward glancing 

As though the gloom they were lancing; 

The right hand stretched forth, with finger 

Pointing' to an angel singer, 

That now appeared in heavens high 

With harp o'er whose strings zephyrs sigh. 

For a moment the figure stands. 

Then poises snowy wings and hands. 

And with a flutter of delight 

It leaves the realms of murky night. 

The sun in brightness doth now burst out 

And doth the darkness quickly rout. 

Whilst Legend stands with hands to face 

Looking into the bright blue space. 

And nothing now can he see there 

But the crown that the sun doth wear. 



CANTO XV. 

LegcMid s>;azecl until struck blind, 

For the rays of" o;listening- light 
Conld not be by his eyes confin'd 

Without destruction to his sight. 
So for a time he blindly groped 

In darkness — though immersed in glory, 
And to himself muttered and croaked 

O'er and o'er his own mournful story. 
Whilst with himself thus occupied 

Another form at his side arose, 
With a voice stern, but void of pride, 

And calm as a lake in repose. 
"Legend! I^egend ! Why mournest thou? 

Is it because that flower's gone? 
Ivemember it in death did sow 

And thus a crown of glory won. 
There still are other flowers here, 

And though for that pure white flower 
Thine heart would be cold and drear, 

^Farch cold blast proceds April shower." 

67 



68 

Legend turned and quickly said : 

"May I ask of thee, who art thou? 
Canst thou tell me whence yon soul sped, 

And why death laid that flower low? 
Why should it on melting ices feed 

And purest snowy sherbets sip. 
To he cut down like vilest weed, 

And be pressed by infamous lip? 
Can I on other flowers look 

When I know that they may be torn 
By rude hands, cut down by cruel hook, 

And be by foul fiends boldly worn? 
Can my heart be aught else but cold ; 

My thoughts be but bitter and sore, 
Wlien purest crystal cup can hold 

Is wallowed in by any boar? 
No flower will I from here pluck. 

Neither on them shalt cast my eye, 
For others from them their honey suck 

And then — yes, cast them off to die." 
"Legend, surely thou art soured. 

But few flowers thou yet hast seen. 
This place is with many dowered, 

Near the brightest thou hast not been. 
Then again, thou art too hasty 

And wouldst most any flower pluck, 
Thou hadst better be more tasty 

And be sure what thou art to suck. 



69 



T>ot ino toll thee tlmt the flower 

That thoii at first did wildly gra.sp, 
Would not have pleased thee an hour, 

For soon its thorns thy heart would rasp. 
Now thou showed better, more true sense 

When thou didst not the snow drop pluck 
And whilst thy mind was in susj)ense 

By another fi-om thy reach 'twas struek. 
O'er this thou art deeply grieved 

And with thy sorrow I condole; 
Still, if thou couldst have perceived 

Tiiou art equator, it the pole. 
If thou had plucked that flower first, 

It would have drooped, wither'd and died, 
Just as surely, as in hand cursed, 

For by thy heat it would be dried. 
Some flowers are not grown to pluck. 

For their nature none can ever read; 
And they who would their honey suck. 

Will their passions on ashes feed. 
Now, as thou hast listen'd to me, 

I'll tell thee who and what I am. 
My name is Reason, and to thee 

I'll be a guard from all that's sham. 
Legend, to thee I said before. 

Thou hast yet tp see more flowers 
For in the garden there's great store. 

But most are beyftnd thy powers. 



70 

Legend, each flower is a maid 

And somewhere, I may not say. 
Is one on which thy soul is stay'd, 

She will turn thy night to day. 
Thou mayest find her quite quickly. 

Or may be not for a time. 
So guard thy heart all times strictly 

Or Venus' hill thou mayest not climb. 
Wiien once thou hast that flower found 

Thou wilt never crave for another, 
For joy thou'll sow" in fertile ground 

And for thee she'll be a mother. 
Now, Legend, before thee I leave, 

I beg thee to chose with reason. 
Do not let passion from thee cleave 

The blossom that is thy season." 
"Ah ! like the others Reason's gone, 

.Why do all these friends leave so quick. 
Why do they not stay — help me on 

When in the sloughs of doubt I stick?" 



CANTO XVI. 

"Wlu) is this that is comint^ now, 

Witli sprightly ^tep and winning grace; 
^\'ith sparkling eyes, a pleasant brow 

And radiant smiles spread o'er the iiicoi 
^ris not Hope, nor yet is Courage, 

Neither can it be Mercy sweet. 
I wish it .were, I would engage 

To pay my homage at her feet. " 
" Ijegend, thou hast guessed aright 

I am not Hope, Courage, Mercy, 
Prudence or lleason — take no fright. 

Thee I will treat with courtesy. 
I will not thee with sermons bore, 

Nor spoil thy pleasure by advice, 
But I will show thee the door 

That leads to joys that have no price. 
Come, Legend, let us go and walk 

Among yon sweet scented flowers. 
Then of their joys to thee I'll talk 

And w^hile away the dreary hours. 



71 



72 

Why, Ijogend, thoii hast no boqnet ! 

What a silly lad thou hast been, 
To roam at will 'mong flowers gay 

And none of their sweet pleasures seen. 
All yon flowers are grown to pluck. 

Their sweet incense invites thee on 
And tells thee of their sweets to suck, 

So haste — take the chance ere 'tis gone, 
Ha ! Ha ! how sober dost thou look ! 

Still 'tis no wonder. I^et me see ! 
It was Prudence that would not brook 

The joys that herein welcomed thee. 
With her cold, hoary, blighting breath 

She froze the warm hopes of young love, 
As he struggled to burst the sheath 

That held him back from treasure trove. 
No fairer field could love behold 

Than that which lies before thee now, 
So why dost thou remain so cold 

When virgin soil invites thy plow? 
List ! Legend, I will a secret tell. 

Hidden in these flowers there is joy. 
Fountains of rapture in them well. 

Nor doth their sweetness ever cloy. 
Drink, then, of their sparkling nectar, 

And the blood in thy veins will dance. 
Prudence and Reason may hector. 

But show them thou art a free lance. 



73 

Come, Lo<2;encl, draw near a flower, 

See, there is one in perfeet bloom, 
'Jliou needst not fear Hymen's bower, 

Thou art not foreed to be a groom. 
What, wilt thou not look upon it! 

Do8t thou my kindness now disdain ! 
Why triflest thou wiien moments flit 

And there are joys lor thee to gain? 
Legend, I see tlK)U nceds't company 

To chase away this gloomy mood, 
Much Prudence hast made thee canny 

And too much Reason makes thee brood. 
Come, I will intr.oduce to thee 

A bright, handsome, sprightly maid, 
Who from all care will set thee free, 

And teach thee to enjoy a raid — 
Yes, a raid amongst flowers gay 

Where sweet perfumes thou canst inspire, 
Whilst other joys turn night to day 

And rapture sets the soul on flre." 



CANTO XVII. 

(i^ii! P A55 ION . !6^5© 

"See, here she comes, like summer's flay, 

Melting all by her bright warm glanee. 
To thee she will her respects pay, 

Then with delight thy soul shall dance. 
Now, adieu, Passion's at thy feet, 

Two is company, whilst three is none, 
When there are joys to feel that's sweet. 

So drink thy fill and I'll be gone." 
Ijcp-end looked d<iwn and there beheld 

At his feet a voluptuous form, 
That with passionate emotions swelled 

And quiver'd as though tossed by storm. 
She took his hand and to her lips 

She quickly pressed it with force; 
Then fondled it with finger tips 

And laid it 'gainst her corse. 
Airain she lifted Legend's hand 

Then placed it on her warm breast, 
Which rose and fell like waves on sand 

Fanned by winds that never rest. 

74 



75 

From lier eyes a soft lightning flashed 

That thrilled him but yet gave pain. 
For through his veins the hot blood dashed 

And the sweat drops fell like rain. 
Ivegend quiver'd like an aspen 

And he was tossed, as though by storm, 
Until he fain would have fallen 

On to Passion's soft downy form. 
But passion threw him aside 

And froze him with a look of scorn, 
As she said: "Thou hast hurt my pride 

Oh ! that thou hadst ne'er been born. 
How darest thou with me presume 

And think that I too thee would yield! 
Thou makest my heart with anger fume. 

Begone! to thee I'll be no shield." 
" List to me but a moment, maid, 

No thought had I of that thou spoke. 
I am at thy charge dismayed 

And terror doth my utterance choke. 
I know not what I did or said. 

For emotions swept o'er my soul 
That made my will as soft as lead, 

And strange feelings before me bowl." 
''Ha ! Ha! Ha! a pretty story, 

Far better hadst thou shut thy mouth 
Than tell a tale that's so hoary. 

And for aires told North and South. 



76 



Legend, on thee I'll take pity. 

Yes, more — to thee I'll be ii friend, 
And teach thee to sing a ditty 

When before a maid thou dost bend. 
Here is my hand ! let us away 

To where the flowers gaily toss ! 
And over them we'll cast our sway 

Nor for a monarch feel at loss." 
Passion gaily led Legend on 

Till they were among the flowers. 
Then she laughed and said: "Care begone 

For we are in Cupid's bowers. 
Legend, see this rose, 'tis ftdl lilown 

And at perfection has arrived. 
Take and pluck it, call it thine own, 

F)e no longer of love deprived. 
Do thou its fragrant odors breathe. 

Note its petals tipped with dew 
That sparkle like a diamond wreath 

And crown the flower where it grew. 
Ah ! where is all thy ardor now, 

Why so cold when the fuel's nigh? 
If thou vvouldst reap, thou now must sow 

And not stand there and idly sigh." 
Legend at once put out his hand 

And was about the flower to pluck 
When to his ears a sound was fann'd 

That held him as though terror struck. 



77 

"Oh ! what voice is that? Did I hear? 

' Legend ! Oh ! Legend ! thou beware.' 
No, it could not be. It is fear, 

I am abashed by beauty rare." 
Passion now on Legend smiled. 

Then said: "From foolish fear be free 
Be not thus by illusions guiled 

But take the joys that wait on thee. 
That dismal sound that thou thoughtst did hear 

Was but an echo from Reason, 
That ill-tempered, sullen bear 

That frowns on love as 'twere treason. 
Here, Legend, put on these crystals, 

Then at the flower closely look, 
With them thou canst read love's epistles 

And scan the pages in life's book." 
Legend obeyed Passion's behest 

And on the rose through crystal gazed, 
Then closer to it was he pressed 

By hidden forces passion raised. 
Passion around him threw her arm 

And murmured softly in his ear, 
" Legend, press the rose — that's the charm. 

Then tiie way shall to thee be clear." 
A sudden impulse o'er him swept. 

The rose by his fingers was grasped. 
Then his heart's blood within him leapt 

For to his breast a maid he clasped. 



78 



To Passion now he gave no lieecl 

For he was lost in sweetest joy 
On which he fain alone would feed 

Like a famished half-grown boy. 
To this sudden transformation 

Legend ne'er gave a single thought. 
Though it was the regal coronation 

Of the joys passion to him brought. 
The Nymph that in his arms was laid 

Now upturned a sweet blushing face, 
And in her eyes soft lightning played 

That shone out with wondrous grace. 
She smiled and, as through her coral lips, 

A pearly light doth flit and glow, 
Legend fondly pressed them and sips 

Love's nectar'd darts from Cupid's bow. 
His fond kiss is by her returned 

And a soft sigh from her escapes, 
As her moist lips on his are burned 

With the fever contact creates. 
Passion again to Legend spoke 

And said : " There are far sweeter joys, 
Take them for fear the charm be broke, 

And vain regrets thy heart annoys. 
Know that within the leaves is wrapped 

The bud from which unfolds the rose; 
So within the maid is lapped 

The solace for thy sick heart's throes. 



79 

ITaste tlioo now, lift up the curtain 

Tliat hides the entrance to the souK 
There thou wilt find rapture certain, 

So drink thy fill from Venus' bowl." 
Legend, by Passion's promptings fired, 

Caught the drapery of the maid; 
Sought that he earnestly desired 

And for his pains was then repaid. 
For the maid no resistance offered, 

But to his ardent, eager pleading 
Her most sacred possessions proffered. 

And crown'd his joy and hers by yielding. 
But Legend's joy soon was ended. 

The maid was gone and in his hand 
Lay a rose with dew drops bended. 

And again to him was there fann'd 
The dreadful words: "Legend, beware! 

Thou hast a flower rashly plucked 
And now it is in thine own care, 

For thou hast of its sweetness sucked. 
Haste, take it to Hymen's bowers. 

For thou mayest soon be recalled 
To pass before those stern powers 

Now by the Courts of Fate installed." 
Legend in fear raised up his eyes. 

Saw tliat again he was alone. 
Then from him the sunlight flies. 

For clouds rise up like walls of stone. 



CANTO XVIII. 

In his terror he grasps the rose 

Tightly in his now trembling hand, 
But it only adds to his throes, 

For thorns are by his fingers spanned. 
By their keen pricking, his conscience 

Is to its fullest extent aroused, 
And now he fain would quickly quench 

The remorse that therein is housed. 
With terror he beholds the gloom 

That falls around him like a pall. 
And the clammy breath of the tomb 

Seems at his cold, stiif feet to fall. 
In agony he hoarsely cries out: 

"Oh ! that I ne'er this rose had seen! 
Oh ! that I should at Reason scout ! 

Mercy, thou didst forecast this scene. 
Mercy ! Mercy ! Oh ! come to me. 

And yet I fear thy pitying glance 
For I heeded not thy epitome, 

And toyed with passion's poisoned lance. 

80 



How dare I on sweet Merey cry 

Wlioti her kind warning I did spnrn, 
Yet to her I with joy wonld fly, 

Though with red shame my face should hurn. 
Oil! Mercy, if thou wilt but listen 

To my contrite, despairing cry, 
A\'ith gratitude my eyes shall glisten. 

And on thy bosom I will die." 
" Legend, to thee I come once more. 

For I believe thou art sincere. 
I know that thy hands are torn and sore, 

And thy trials more than thou canst bear; 
But as thou didst that flower take, 

Thou now must be its protector. 
And though this charge may make thee quake, 

Fate is now thy sole director. 
Come, .Legend, thou must be resigned. 

The arrow from thy bow has sprung, 
It's course can't be by thee defined, 

By higher courts it must be swung. . 
Legend, thou now mayest go with me, 

1 will lead to Hymen's bower, 
There tliou canst from thy guilt be free 

And the rose wilt be thy dower. 
See, the darkness is falling fast; 

The stars now are peeping forth, 
And o'er ns their soft glitter cast 

Whilst Borealis glints the north. 



82 



Now we are near Hyraen's bower. 

Dost thou not its sweet fragrance breathe, 
And feel a soft, soothing power, 

About thine heart its tendrils weave?" 



CANTO XIX. 



@^^HYnEN'6 Power. fe^^ 



" Legend, seest thou yon flow'ry bank, 

Upon it thy rose thou must hiy, 
And watch until thou seest it sink 

Neath the fountain that there doth phiy. 
Then behind the fountain go thou, 

And lay upon the flowers there. 
Then let Morpheus press thy brow. 

And let not gloom thy heart strings wear. 
I leave thee now, so fare thee well ! 

Forget not thou the lesson learned, 
May Cupid tune thy wedding bell. 

And all thy grief to joy be turned." 
Legend now reached for Mercy's hand, 

But Mercy was from him hidden, 
l^^or a mist was between them fann'd 

And the parting thus forbidden. 
Legend then turned to the fountain. 

And on the flowers placed the rose. 
When it there had a moment lain. 

It sinks and flowers o'er it close. 



83 



84 



He now around the fountain walks, 

And sees a bed of flowers white, 
That toss about upon their stalks 

And yearnings for repose incite. 
To this impulse he now gives way, 

And at once he doth recline 
Upon the couch of flowers gay. 

And for past joys doth not repine. 
A soft cool wind around him wafts. 

Sweet perfumes from the flowers rise. 
Whilst soft eyed Venus hurls her shafts. 

As she ascends the western skies. 
The fountain in rippling murmurs 

Trills out tender .and soothing strains, 
As the twilight fades and tremors 

In its retreat to the western plains. 
Balmy slumber on Legend falls, 

Whilst the stars doth the zenith trend, 
And in his dreams he scales the walls 

Of futurity, Fates around him bend. 
He dreams that in his hand is placed 

The rose that he so rashly pulled, 
And now it seemed enriched and graced 

With beauties he saw not when culled. 
From out the stem there came a sprout. 

And on this tiny leaves were formed, 
From their center a bud came out. 

And by this bud his heart was warmed. 



8S 

To watch it expand gave him joy, 

Then his joy was to wonder turned, 
For from the bud there sprang- a boy. 

And in his eyes a bright light burned. 
Again from the stem came a sprout, 

More of the tiny leaves were formed, 
From tiieir center a bud came out, 

And by that bud his heart was warmed. 
With greater joy he watched it well. 

Then his joy gave place to wonder, 
For from the bud there stepped a girl, 

That enriched the sweets of slumber. 
Still later came forth other buds, 

Sweet and tender, yet richly mettled. 
Varied in hue like autumn's woods, 

For in their petals dew drops nestled. 
Legend's hand a boquet now held, 

And the rose formed its proud center. 
Borne on waves of purfume that welled 

In the clustering buds around her. 
Legend's dream now took another form, 

Again he saw the swords of flame. 
And heard them whistle like a storm, 

As lightning flashes went and came. 
Again he saw the Courts of Fate 

Enveloped in a cloud of gloom, 
And his fears were now just as great 

As thouo'h he listened to his doom. 



86 

Then the battle again was fought 

With the fiend that he once had met, 
And to slay him he vainly fought, 

For 'twas the fiend's sword the blood wet. 
Many hours in dreamland he roamed. 

Sometimes mid scenes that gave him joy, 
Again 'twas others o'er which he moaned. 

That to the first were base alloy. 
Once more in his hand he held 

The flowers and a pure white bud, 
That close to the center nestled, 

Whilst o'er it a tall white lily stood. 
Amazed, he looked — the rose was gone. 

But as he upon the lily gazed, 
.He forgot that once another shone 

Where this flower its sweet face raised. 
He bent o'er it and with delight 

Its sweet ])erfume he quick inspired, 
Whilst charming visions came in sight. 

That with rapture his glad heart fired. 
This joy was more than he could bear. 

And from his slumbers he awoke 
To find that still the rose was there 

And the sweet spell thus rudely broke. 
The rose again was in his hand, 

And as upon it he sadly gazed. 
He felt the pricking thorns he spanned, 

And new griefs in his heart were raised. 



87 

He now thought of Mercy's lecture, 
"But as thou didst tliat flower take 

Thou nuist be its protector." 

That again made his sick heart quake, 

And he looked for his couch of flowers, 
But it was gone and in its place 

He saw a bed of leaves. 



CANTO XX. 

Legend now gave way to despair, 

And though in his hand lay the rose, 
He heeded not its face so fair, 

For he was blinded by his woes. 
Yet he would not it from him cast, 

Nor did he fret o'er its sharp thorns. 
And tiiough his heart beat wild and fast. 

With temptations did he lock horns. 
For ^yhilst he sat there in his grief, 

To him came one named Temptation, 
And whispered to him : " There is relief. 

So give it thy approbation. 
List, thou hast made a sad mistake, 

Cast then from thee that bunch of thorn, 
And then a thornless flower take, 

Let not thy heart be trouble worn." 
Legend said: "I will not listen. 

For whilst to me thou dost speak fair, 
Treachery dost blink and glisten 

Between the lids thine eyes dost wear. 



89 

See tlic rose thou wonldst condcMim, 

Already begins some joy to hear, 
For I sec a hud on its stem, 

And it with the rose I shall wear. 
See, how quickly it is swelling. 

Those tender leaves with cream are tipped, 
And, whilst to thee I'm this telling. 

The hud from its prison hath slipped. 
Now look and see that pinky flush 

That like mist rises o'er the cream, 
Sweet as a maiden's pristine blush, 

When of her love she first doth dream. 
Ijreathe the perfumes that from it spring. 

And sec the dew drops in its heart; 
Then tell me if it will not bring 

Joy to heal wounds from passion's dart. 
See that golden- winged butterfly, 

How fond it o'er that bud hovers, 
It cannot such sweetness pass by, 

And now they are clasped like lovers." 
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Thou fool, Legend ! 

What flimsy web art thou now weaving? 
Soon thy dreams will all be ended 

And the waves of fate thou'll be cleaving." 
Legend turned and was struck with terror, 

For he saw the ma.ster of Passion, 
And remembered the shameful error 

He let that maid upon him fashion. 



CANTO XXI. 

^&iS! b E AT H . '^^^ 

"Legend, see that bud now wither, 

That butterfly is white-winged death; 
To slay thy pet he came hither, 

And now his sword has left its sheath."" 
Even as these words were spoken 

The butterfly darted away. 
And the tender leaves were broken, 

For at its heart a worm held sway. 
Legend gazed at the bud with horror, 

As the loathsome worm upon it fed, 
And sick'ning fear, — still greater sorrow, 

Could upon his ashen face be read. 
That cursed worm cut ofl" each petal. 

And one by one to the ground they dropped; 
Then it turned to a spot more vital. 

And with greedy haste the whole stem cropped. 
Legend was now in agony writhing. 

And cried out in bitterest dispair: 
"From my heart thou art basely shiv'ring 

The fondest hope it did ever bear. 

90 ■ • 



91 

Thon foul, clammy tiling, oompleto thy work ! 

Thou hast that .swoet, pure bud dcvoui'od, 
Now take the rose, plant it in thy dirk, 

For well I know by thee it's dowered." 
The worm with spoils was f'ldly sated, 

And to the ground it quickly fell. 
Then crawled off to a chasm just created 

As 'twas by some satauic spell. 
"Ha!, ha! ha! my boy, my Legend, 

As the bud is gone, keep the rose, 
To thee it shall sweet comfort lend 

To kec}) in health thy sick heart's throes. 
Now wouldst not thou by far prefer 

To throw from thee that bunch of thorn, 
Then, on another flower confer 

The love that is yet to be born?" 
''The love that is yet to be born ! 

Why dost thou not more })lainly say, 
The grief by which my heart is torn. 

And which to me has come to stay. 
Thy flowers I do not desire. 

And thy advice I value not. 
Thy presence doth not me inspii-e, 

And my cheeks are with anger hot. 
Leave me alone with my sorrow, 

Ijct me with tears wash out my shame, 
What carest I for the morrow 

Or anv love that thou can.st name! 



92 



No flower will I ever pull, 

That thou or Passion would to me show, 
For now. my cup is brimming full 

With the gall thou cliclst to me throw." 
"Legend, thou art basely ingrate. 

For I would show thee other joys, 
But now I leave thee to thy fate, 

And long may live what now destroys. 
Let me tell thee that yet thou'll see 

A flower thou wilt want to cull, 
Thou thou wilt think of wiiat holds thee 

And find thy hands with thorns are full." 
Legend in agony lifts his head, 

And finds his tormentor has gone, 
But still he hears the words he said, 

And in his eyes the tear drops shone. 



CANTO XXII. 

^^y^! Honor J6i^® 

Mercy again to Legend came, 

And he at once fell at her feet. 
With wildest joy he called her name 

And said, "Thy j)resence is moiit sweet. 
I know that thou to me wilt listen, 

Thou knowest my heart is sodden with grief. 
And tear drops in my eyes doth glisten, 

For my woes are great and no relief." 
"Legend, to thee I have listen'd, 

And I have thy actions observed, 
To the tempter thou wonldst not bend. 

And thou hast thine honor preserved. 
It may be that in the garden 

Sometime thou'll be allowed to stay, 
But I cannot be thy warden, 

So heed now what I have to say. 
To thee I will send a maiden, 

Bright and pure as the morning dew 
With which the flowers are laden 

Before Phebus cometh to view. 

93 



94 

Her name is Honor, and to thee 

She will be a wondrous power, 
From all stains she will keep thee free 

And brighten up thy darkest hour. 
Now, again, adieu ! for I go 

To send to thee that precious maid. 
Who shall to thee the true light show 

Before from here thy form shall fade." 
Legend now raised up from the ground ; 

Mercy's form faded from his view, 
And though he listen'd, heard no sound, 

Yet another stood there in lieu. 
"Ah !" he cried, "thou fairest of maids, 

Tliou dost bear the light of Mercy, 
That twinkles brightest when she fades, 

Surely thou are not her herse. 
1 know that thou art Honor bright, 

I read it in those glorious eyes ; 
They will strike terror from the night 

That now I fear before me lies." 
Legend with delight Honor scan'd 

And noted how straight was her form. 
Tall, no slender, median band, 

But such as could outride a storm. 
She was arrayed in purest white. 

That to her limbs with lightness clung. 
And in her face there shone a light 

Of which the muses oft have sung. 



95 

Down her back foil flaxen tresses, 

Like unto misty water fall, 
That fondles its bed witii caresses, 

And throws a glimmer over all. 
On her head lay a band of gold, 

In it was set a diamond star. 
From which rainbow lines were ont roll'd 

To dart their glorious beams afar. 
"Yes, Legend, I am named Honor, 

And, if thou wilt to me give iieed. 
To thy race thon'il be a donor, 

And of ninch that's good sow the seed. 
^^'hilst thou art here in this garden 

I may at all" times be thy guide, 
So let not sorrow now harden 

The bonds Passion has on thee tied. 
Come, Legend, let us walk along; 

Look at the bright sky that's above; 
List to the bird's ecstatic song, 

The strains of which thou canst but love. 
Now look at these fresh bright flowers. 

Set like gems in em 'raid sward, 
Brighter jewels than wealth dowers 

Upon its most favored ward. 
Now, Legend, thou hast nought to feai- 

So long as thou dost not touch them, 
In them I'll show thee much that's dear. 

If thon'il but view them on their stem. 



96 

Now, look at this sweet violet, 

Do thou its sweet fragrance inspire. 
See the dew drops that in it set. 

And throw out gleams of mimic lire. 
See, there is a bright carnation, 

With a rich and spicy scent. 
That would stop short thy probation. 

If on love making thou was bent." 
Honor and Legend wandered on 

Through myriads of blooming flowers, 
Whose perfumes, ever and anon. 

Surcharged the dew drop showers. 
And, though Honor, time and again, 

Before some sweet flower halted, 
Yet Legend did them .all disdain 

And declare that they were faulted. 
He said : " My rose I yet prefer. 

Though it doth bear some painful thorns. 
Yet they shall not my hopes deter 

Of the crown that patience adorns." 
Legend of the flowers wearied 

And said: "For me they have no charm, 
'Twas useless for thee to forbid. 

Honor, thy fears were false alarms. 
From all their charms I am secure. 

The flttwers to me afford no joy, 
Let them be rare, gay, or demure. 

All their graces do on me cloy." 



97 

"Well, Legend, I now shall leiive thee. 

Thou hast no need for sueh as I, 
So, fare thee well, I set thee free, 

Thou raayest now thy hauteur try." 
"Oh ! what a silly fool am T, 

To give to Honor such a slight. 
With shame I would gladly die, 

For of Hortor I have lost sight." 



CANTO XXIII. 



<^^i!L0VE.fe^5^ 



"Lot me think, Honor I'll recall, 

She cannot be so far away, 
I may yet see her fignre tall 

Above the shrubs that yonder sway. 
I see her not ! she must have flown, 

And small wonder the way I rave, 
Oh ! if I could but see her gown, 

Its imprint on my heart I'd grave. ■ 
Full well I know a friend I've lost, 

Still more I know there was no need 
For me thus to be by regrets toss'd, 

And richly I deserve my mead. 
I'll try to find her if I can. 

She may be with the flowers she loves. 
So every group I now will scan, 

For I know Honor among them roves. 
Ah ! what fragrance to me is borne ! 

That must arise from Honor's wake. 
It savors of violets just shorn 

From the bed o'er which thcw did quake. 

98 



99 



I will fdllow that sweet perfume, 

Though I should not true Honor fiiul, 
For it (loth set my heart afume 

With yearnings that can't be oonfin'd, 
And, something therein tells me now, 

That I am very near my fate, 
And I know that to her I'll bow', 

For nought but her my thirst shall sate. 
Oh ! Why this strange agitation ; 

How my heart is fever'd — then chilled, 
.loy ! Pain ! with each inspiration 

Of this perfume by love distilled. 
Honor! sadly I need thee now, 

I know not what is best to do, 
And I feel that I must bow 

Before my fate and for love sue. 
I fear to look for the flower 

From which this incense doth arise, 
For well I know I've no power 

To resist it, for 'tis a prize — 
A prize for which my hands shall reach, 

Though already filled with painful thorn ; 
Naught else can fill the violent breach 

Through which the waves of love have torn. 
And I of my coolness boasted. 

And flowers affected to disdain, 
Yet now I am fairly roasted, 

And what I have not yet seen gives pain." 



CANTO XXIV. 



@^4iTHE LlLY.ia^J© 



"My fate draws me on — there, I see! 

See wliat? It! a tall white flower, 
And to its eharms a slave I he, 

I feel its o'erwhelming power. 
As yet I know it sees me not, 

Though I its sweet perfume inspire ; 
That keeps me rooted to this spot 

And fills me with a new desire. 
No flower did I ever see 

That with this would at all compare, 
And vyhy it still remained for me, 

I am not in the least aware. 
How tall and graceful is its stem, 

How queenly it rocks to and fro. 
It is the finest, brightest gem 

That e'er glisten'd on Cupid's bow. 
Perfumed dew drops fall in its wake 

From the white, wavy, bell shaped crown, 
As the soft zephyrs 'round it break 

And gently toss it up and down. 

100 



101 

It far above others towers, 

And of them all it is the qaceii, 
Still 'tis not vain of its powers 

And, though stately, it reigns serene. 
It is no weak, transient blossom, 

That blooms to-day and dies to-morrow, 
And it seorns to play opossum. 

Or false modesty to borrow. 
By many winds was it ehastened 

From its birth to its maturity. 
And no foulness qn it fastened, 

It still retains its purity. 
I must, I will, to it go on. 

And there I'll fall upon my knees; 
Discreet I'll be, for Honor's gone, 

I'll hut watch it sway in the breeze." 
Thus to the flower Legend goes. 

And before it at once bows down ; 
It quivers as though struck with throes 

That shoot forth from its root to crown. 
White before, now 'tis deadly pale. 

And it in agitation rocks. 
Before I^egend it seems to (piail 

And suddenly its calyx locks. 
But with all this there is. thrown out 

A subtle perfume-embalmed pain. 
That puts Legend's amaze to rout 

And to inspire it he is fain. 



102 



His seiisoR by this are transfixed 

And for a time he kneels spell-bound, 
Until an affinity is fixed 

That forms from both a strong compound. 
The calyx now suddenly unfolds, 

And each petal is extended, 
Whilst the dew drops its bosom holds 

Are with pinky flushes blended. 
Again a wave of perfume rolls 

O'er I^egend's palpitating form. 
And through his heart the warm blood bowls, 

For his whole being it does transform, 
A sudden impulse rolls o'er him 

Ijike a swift, sweeping tidal wave, 
And the light of caution grows dim, 

A^ for possession he doth crave. 
He caugiit the flower as it rocked. 

And its snowy white petals kissed, 
But it shrank from him as though shocked. 

And most of its sweetness he missed. 
Abashed, he let the flower go. 

And in despair he turned away, 
For in his heart he felt a woe 

That made night of glorious day. 
Again, the perfume drew him back. 

And o'er the flower he did bend. 
Until zephyrs their sports did slack 

And let the soft vapors ascend. 



108 

Ijogcntl's heart at onee is ravished 

By the sweet odors that arise, 
And the beauty that is hivished 

By the flower that 'neath him lies. 
He reaches forth his hand and takes 

The flower from its motlier eartf), 
In his liand it quivers and quakes, 

Then to a sweet maid it oives hirth. 



CANTO XXV. 

<^^a' E6 T H E R . fe^i^ 

This maid before him trembling stands, 

With her lovely face from him turned, 
AVhilst at her side are clasped her hands. 

Whose shapely fingers jewels spurned. 
Legend in amazement stands mute, 

His heart almost ceases to beat; 
Nor could he that })resence refute. 

For it seemed reality most sweet. 
Not long did he stand there, 

For his heart gave a sudden bound, 
And the blood through his veins did tear 

At the new joy strangely found. 
With his arms the maid he grasped. 

And pressed her close to his bosom, 
And while she was there firmly clasped 

He told her she was his blossom. 
He tried to kiss her ruby lips, 

And sip therefrom Cupid's nectar, 
But from his arms she swiftly slips. 

Crying, "Jlonor's my protector." 

104 



lOB 

"Yes! Honor's tliy protector, 

And I thy purity honor; 
Thon shalt he Legend's dictator, 

For to me thou art a donor. 
Thou hast to Legend shown the light 

By which he shall henceforth travel, 
Until his day ends with night. 

And heaven his life's skein unravel. 
Sweet maid, Honor bids me leave thee, 

And I to her voice must listen; 
It is best thou shouldst be free 

Though my eyes with tears glisten. 
My heart for thee will long be sad, 

For life my mind thy form will sec; 
To leave thee drives me almost mad. 

And sorrow takes the place of glee. 
Maid, may I ask of thee thy name? 

That 1 for thee may ever pray, 
And though my rashness be my shame, 

Let it not hold o'er me its sway." 
" Legend, my heart bears no malice, 

And thy action I do forgive. 
Thou shalt su}) from Mercy's chalice, 

And shalt in my remembran(;e live. 
Thou asks my name, it is Esther; 

Thine, 1 understand, is Legend. 
To Legend I'd fain sequester 

All that heaven to me may send. 



106 



Thou didst try my pure lips to kiss 

But Honor would not this allow, 
And 'twas well that thou thus didst miss, 

Else thou wouldst have broken thy vow. 
Full well I knew a rose thou bore, 

And to it thou dost now belong, 
And though upon me it sits sore, 

'Gainst my weakness I must be strong. 
Legend! from me go! I love, thee! 

For thy sake I must suffer now, 
From that lov(> I shall ne'er be free, 

And I fear it will lay me low. 
Though my lips are to thee denied, 

Thou mayest press thine upon my brow 
Before thou leave me, woe betide ! 

For I am thine, with grief I bow." 
Legend kissed Esther's pure, white brow. 

Which was as cold as purest ice. 
And o'er him it seemed to" throw 

A chill that took from life its spice. 
Esther's cheeks became deathly pale, 

And her eyes glisten'd with terror. 
And, though she quiver'd, did not fail 

Or falter at the sharp furrow 
That in her heart was rudely plowed. 

And, though with grief most cruelly torn. 
Her tall, slender form was not bowed. 

But all this was most bravelv borne. 



' 107 

Tiegcnd reads in her \vellint»; eyes 

The pain that rends her very sonl 
And tries to still the sohs that rise, 

Whilst he drinks I'roni his Uittei' howl. 
Yes, hitter howl of li(iu()r brewed 

From the seeds his mad haste had sown. 
And felt thorns so crnelly strewed 

Where sweetest flowers might have grown. 
He pressed her brow again and fled 

In haste, he cared not, knew not where. 
O'er thorns and stones he (pu'ckly sped 

Until his flesh refused to bear 
The strain that he on it imposed. 

And to the ground he sudden fell, 
A senseless form all discomposed. 

In niind, heart sick, and soul unwell, 
For a time he exhausted lay 

With every pain and feeling dulled, 
His flesh as cold as sodden clay, 

And the blood in his veins all fulled; 
And fain would he in stupor lie. 

Than to his painful thoughts return. 
From them he-would most gladly fly, 

And hide in death's sepulchral m-n ; 
But no long respite was given. 

The blood that clogged his veins 
By his heart was onward driven; 

And his body was racked with pain. 



108 

To his brain the thicken'd blood flew, 

To give him visions most horrid, 
Which with great rapidity grew, 

Now chilling, later more torrid. 
Again he heard a mournful voice: 

"Legend, thou hast another flower 
Most rashly pulled. Thou hast no choice 

But to return this very hour 
To the lily from which thon fled, 

And there await the Courts of Fate." 
L(?gend awoke, his stupor shed, 

And essayed his fears to abate; 
He weakly staggered to his feet 

And tried his footsteps to retrace; 
Then sweet perfumes his nostrils greet 

And again his heart hopes for grace. 



CANTO XXVI. 
<^^^The Return of Honor. fe^® 

"Of Honor is that savor born, 

To ray soul it is refreshing, 
Soothing to the heart cruelly torn, 

Easing to care so oppressing. 
Honor, if I now can find her, 

Will sustain me before my fate, 
When I let her leave I didst err, 

I'll seek her ere it be too late." 
" Legend, Honor beside thee stands, 

Thou hadst but on Honor to call ; 
Though it might be in distant lands, 

Honor will never let thee fall. 
Jjegend, to Esther let us go, 

We must comfort that dear sweet maid ; 
Thou didst wrong to approach her so, 

And tear her from whei'e she was stayed. 
Thou must that flower now replant 

Ere by the rays of scorn 'tis burned ; 
For soon the sun with beams aslant 

Will on that spot be fully turned; 

109 



no 

And thelilj, with tender root, 

To his fierce, scorching beams exposed, 
Will wither, ne'er again to shoot 

And from fruition l)e deposed. 
See, there is Esther's prostrate form 

Lying on the spot where she stood 
When thou left her tossed by that storm 

Of grief which her heart did o'er flood." 
On seeing Esther prostrate there, 

Legend from Honor swiftly flew, 
And with his hand he swept the hair 

From the face that was wet with dew. 
He cried : " Esthef , thy Legend's here. 

With thee now I will strive to stay ; 
I can meet my fate with thee near, 

And thou_ canst for ray ransom pray." 
Her forehead he tenderly press'd 

With lips that now with love were hot. 
And there he fain would let them rest, 

But through his heart a new fear shot: 
"What if Esther be still in death 

And I no mure her voice should hear; 
No more inspire her fragrant breath 

Or greet the light from eyes so dear." 
Terror stricken, he now drew her 

Tightly to his fluttering heart; 
Then he saw her lips feebly stir. 

And her eyes open with a sudden start. 



Ill 

For a moniont, with amazed look, 

Her eyes rested on Legend's face ; 
Her form with agitation shook, 

And it seemed she knew not the plaee. 
liegend in joy cried : " Plsther, dear. 

Dost tiiou not know who holds thy form? 
Turn not away from me in fear, 

I wonld shield thee from ev'ry storm. 
Esther, I liave retnrned to thee. 

And by thy side I'll learn my fate; 
Then, if from thorns lean be free. 

We will enter Hymen's estate." 
Esther's eyes closed, her form quiyered. 

Then became cold and still as death, 
And Legend in terror shiyered 

And thonght death's sword had left its sheath. 
He swooned with Esther in his arm, 

And, when next he to himself came, 
Esther was gone and of her charms 

Nauirht was left him but her sweet name. 
He 'rose to his feet and beheld. 

Lying on the ground, a flower; 
And the sight of it his grief quelled. 

For he thought of Honor's power. 
It was the lily he had pulled. 

The stem he found was still unbroken, 
And, as the lily was not culled, 

His joy was great though not spoken. 



112 

With his hands he quickly ojiencd 

The soil in which the lily grew, 
And its warmth to him betokened 

That still more life it would bestrew ; 
He tenderly the rootlets placed, 

And with his hands the soil he pressed, 
Gently, yet firmly, the roots spaced, 

Then with nature left them at rest. 
The lily was now full of life, 

Again sweet perfumes forth it sent; 
And through Legend's heart joy ran rife, 

Whilst oyer it his form was bent. 
To him it was the sweetest thing 

That had enter'd into his life. 
And eyery motion seemed to bring 

Joy that drowned all the former strife.- 
He thought of Esther and did know, 

That but to touch that sweet flower. 
And it would to him Esther show. 

This held him there with great power. 



CANTO XXVII. 

Legend had almost forgotten all 

The trials through which he just had pass'd, 
When to his ears there did quickly fall 

A sound that 'bout hitn terror cast. 
Before him rose the Courts of Fate, 

And suddenly he saw a throne 
On which there sat, in awful state, 

Forms that made him with agony groan. 

They said, with dreadful voice: "Legend ! 

Thy action has invoked the storm ; 

The storm that by fate is hung 
O'er all those that will not conform 

To the lines which we for them strung; 
Turn and behold thy fittest mate." 

Legend turned and he saw Esther 
And cried: "Oh ! Fates, is it too late 

All my errors to sequester?" 
"Legend, thou hast erred, now suffer! 

Thy punishment is most severe, 
And thy path through life made rougher 

For failing orders to revere; 

113 



114 

Tliy mate to thee we now have shown ; 

Thy punishment, list! now shall he 
Tliat thy fate still remain unknown; 

To Earth return — away with thee!" 
The Courts of Fate now sank away, 

And Legend would have fallen low 
Had not Mercy resumed her sway 

And soften'd this most cruel blow. 
Mercy whisper'd in Legend's ear: 

''RemenilK>r the token given 
By Hope when first thou started here, 

It from thee has not been shriven. 
Hope gave a charm for thee to weai-. 

Saying, 'Hope shall within thee live 
And nothing shall it from thee tear; 

But some day thou canst to one give 
And still Hope wilt with thee repair. 

Thou hast to no one ever shown 
This protection from dire despair; 

So thou wilt yet receive thy crown." 
Legend would to her have spoken, 

But before he could lift his head, 
The bright golden chain was l)roken 

And Mercy had from Legend sped. 
Legend awoke, 'twas but a dream. 

And before him lay Legend's vale; 
In the distance the rippling stream 

Murmured the echoes of this talc. 



115 

But, strange to say, as Legend pass'd 

Down from the hillock where he lay, 
A sweet perfume was about him cast 

That brought mem'ries of flowers gay. 
At the banks of the stream he stopped, 

And there found a rose fully blown ; 
He took it, but it soon was dropped, 

For with it many thorns had grown. 
Legend henceforth was all unrest. 

So, soon he glided down the stream, 
Then onward, seaward, thenceforth press'd 

And found the P'sther of his ditam. 



THE END. 



